Arco Fined for Incident in May

Atlantic Richfield Co. was assessed $23,500 in fines and penalties Thursday after pleading no contest to a complaint that it negligently discharged air contaminants from its Carson refinery in May.

Compton Municipal Court Judge Carlos Moreno also ordered Arco to make repairs to prevent a repeat of the discharge, which occurred when black smoke belched from a coke heater and gas unit incinerator for five minutes May 29.

Arco spokesman Scott Loll said his company has already begun the work as part of a repair program that will cost $200,000. Deputy Dist. Atty. William Carter said: “Arco has been very responsive. . . . They came forward and said they were willing to admit they made mistakes.”